The Culture Of Latin America Essay - 1630 Words

Introduction and Background The culture of Latin America is multi-faceted and rich. More than 300 million Spanish speakers reside in Latin America and are spread across a vast geographic region; this makes it tough at times to explain Latin American culture. Though, there are some living standards and ways of observing life which is in common all over the majority of the area. Latin America comprises of 21 main countries. Major languages spoken in Latin America are French, Portuguese, and Spanish. The Latin America region is a part of the inheritance of the colonization of the continent by European military powers starting during the 16th century. The residents and cultures of Latin America are numerous and different, too comprehensive to name separately. But, there are some definite elements of culture and population which are same across Latin America. These similar characteristics of region distinguish the area from English-speaking America. The period when European colonists (particularly Portuguese and Spanish) arrived during the 16th century, they found numerous flourishing native cultures. The Spanish and Portuguese also observed the practice of hunter-gatherer tribes residing in the deep forests. These native tribes came across highly developed European civilizations like that of Aztecs now called Mexico and Incas in South America. For instance, dissimilar to the United States, a large number of native tribes managed to survive the course of colonization. TheShow MoreRelatedThe Impact Of Latin American Culture On Latin America1656 Words   |  7 Pageszone, living in Latin America would be much like that. The war bei ng fought here is very different, instead of fighting another country, they are fighting drugs. Although war is generally a negative thing, this one is not. In this war there are negatives, but the positives far outweigh them. Latin American countries have witnessed the very noticeable benefits of the drug trade in many aspects of everyday life. The use and production of drugs is important to Latin American culture, brings communitiesRead MoreA Critical Review of â€Å"the Ambiguities of Football, Politics, Culture, and Social Transformation in Latin America† by Tamir Bar-on.14147 Words   |  57 PagesA Critical Review of â€Å"The Ambiguities of Football, Politics, Culture, and Social Transformation in Latin America† by Tamir Bar-On. Introduction: In Latin America, soccer is not a game; it is a way of life. It is mixed in with politics and nationalism. It defines social classes. How politically influential is soccer in Latin America? It is used by â€Å"various Latin American socio-economic elites in order to retard the acceleration of working class and popular discontent† (Bar-On 1997:1.8). Is itRead MoreLatin American Culture Essay examples1050 Words   |  5 PagesLatin American Culture Latin America represents 1/10 of the worlds population, and geographically can be located from the land extensions of Mexico, until the Patagonia at Argentina. Some of the most relevant elements of todays culture in Latin America are; Religion, Values, Attitudes, Social structure, Social stratification, Language and Gift-giving hospitality. The predominant religion throughout history in Latin America has been Catholicism. From big cities to small villages, churches, basilicasRead MoreThe United States And Latin America1362 Words   |  6 PagesWhen looking at the history between the United States and Latin America, you see many interactions between them, all that aided the relationship that they have today. Despite that the United States and Latin America are in the same part of the world, the beliefs in which they govern may differ. This difference has often been seen playing a major role in the disputes that have occurred in past. The United States and Latin America have faced man y social, economical and governing barriers in formingRead More Latin America Essay949 Words   |  4 PagesLatin America Distinguishing cultures from one another has become increasingly difficult as various societies continue to intertwine and share their aspects of popular life. Constant exposure to US and other world cultures has changed the cultures of Latin American countries somewhat, but much of society remains unchanged. Moving to the United States from Latin America alters life a great deal, and keeping touch with one’s original culture may sometimes seem unimportant or simply impossibleRead MoreIndividualism Is Celebrated As An Achievement Of Our Culture, Economy, And Success1328 Words   |  6 Pagesour culture, economy, and success. It basks in the light of personal success overthrowing the success of the community, and believes that to be personally successful is more important than the success and solidarity among the people you identify with. In the 19th century of Latin America, this ideology was forced onto a society that perceived itself as a collective culture. The success of the majority was more important than the success of the individual to the non-Europeans of Latin America. ToRead MoreNeo-Colonialism In Latin America Essay1210 Words   |  5 PagesIn the 50 years after gaining independence, European influence played an essential role in the growth of Latin America. Latin American elites managed to open free-trade among other countries such as the United States and Great Britain. This influx of trade expedited the Industrial Revolution allowing South America to trade with other countries more efficiently, thus, marking the start of Neo-Colonialism. Neo-Colonialism is defined as â€Å"the economic and political policies by which a great power indirectlyRead MoreEssay on Ethnicity and Latin America1140 Words   |  5 PagesEthnicity and Latin America Latin America and the American colonies were â€Å"tamed† based on completely different ideologies. From a Latin American perspective, the most important of the European explorers were of course, the Spanish and the Portuguese. These explorers arrived in Christopher Columbus’ â€Å"new world† with the express goal of bringing glory and prestige to their homeland. In stark contrast, settlers came to the colonies seeking freedom from the religious persecution in Europe. TheRead MoreEssay on Is Democracy Sustainable in Latin America?1274 Words   |  6 PagesIs Democracy Sustainable in Latin America? In order to determine if democracy is sustainable in Latin America, it is important to understand or at least have an idea of what democracy is. There are several types of democracy and each is different. According to the English dictionary, democracy is â€Å" a government by the people; especially: rule of the majority by a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by themRead MoreClassical Era in Latin America and Europe Essay1569 Words   |  7 Pagescivilization developed its own unique style of politics, culture and economies, the economic and social patterns in Latin America distinctly detached this civilization from any Western society, which accounted for obvious distinctions in both culture and politics. In politics, the most apparent feature of the Western Society was the creation of new political ideologies, resulting in neither an absolute or dictatorial structure. The instability of Latin American politics created a weakened stru cture, therefore